Understanding what chiropractic is
Chiropractic medicine approaches patient care in a manner similar to that used in conventional medicine, with differences mainly occurring in the manner of treatment. Chiropractors perform an interview with patients, obtain a detailed health history, perform an examination, do tests, and develop a working diagnosis. They then develop a management plan, start treatment, and monitor the patient’s progress. This is all consistent with approaches used in conventional medicine. Chiropractors typically utilize manual manipulations of anatomy to treat, due to the close association, the most common issues addressed are those of the musculoskeletal system. These manual techniques range from stretching and pressure, to targeted manipulations of joints and joint complexes. These targeted manipulations are most often delivered by hand, and in a quick and gentle movement termed HVLA or high velocity low amplitude adjusting.
What your chiropractor has done to get here
In the United States chiropractors must follow a rigorous educational plan and earning a Doctor of Chiropractic, or D.C. degree. To gain entrance into a chiropractic doctorate program an applicant must have an undergraduate degree, typically in a science background like biology. In addition to possessing a D.C. a practicing chiropractor must also pass board examinations from the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, as well as hold a valid state license.
What do chiropractors treat
Missouri statutes define the practice of chiropractic as “the science and art of examination, diagnosis, adjustment, manipulation and treatment both in inpatient and outpatient settings, by those methods commonly taught in any chiropractic college or chiropractic program in a university which has been accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education, its successor entity or approved by the board. It shall not include the use of operative surgery, obstetrics, osteopathy, podiatry, nor the administration or prescribing of any drug or medicine nor the practice of medicine. The practice of chiropractic is declared not to be the practice of medicine and operative surgery or osteopathy within the meaning of chapter 334, RSMo, and not subject to the provisions of the chapter. The practice of chiropractic may include meridian therapy/acupressure/acupuncture with certification as required by the board.”
Operating under this umbrella chiropractors in Missouri may treat a range of conditions including but not limited to:
Back pain
Neck pain
Headaches
Arm and shoulder issues including pain, muscular tension, wrist and hand pain and reduced range of motion
Hip and leg issues, including those of the knees, ankles, and feet
Jaw issues
Post activity recovery
Avoidance of future injury through postural and kinetic re-education Abdominal and gastrointestinal pain, discomfort, and turmoil
What is the mechanism by which chiropractic care can treat conditions
There are many mechanisms by which mobilizing a joint can assist in regular activities, one of which relates to compression of tissues. Mobilization of spinal segments can assist in taking pressure off nerves thus reducing pain and discomfort. Another benefit seen through the mobilization of these joints is the rapid stretch of connected muscular and ligamentous tissues. The combination of these actions additionally stimulates the release of endorphins by the body which furthers reduction in pain levels. Notably this does not include the “pop” often associated with chiropractic adjustment. This sound is not indicative of the efficacy of an adjustment, rather is a side effect of static joint complexes leading to a reabsorption of gases in the synovial fluid of joints. When a joint is rapidly gapped, the vacuum created releases these gases causing cavitation and producing the “pop”.
Cole Malkmus
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